Download 2025: Live Review Through Martha's Lens

A deep dive into Download 2025, spotlighting key performances, emerging trends, and unforgettable moments captured through Martha's lens.

Download 2025 rocked Donington Park! From surprise sets to headliner triumphs, Martha's lens captured it all. Let's dive into the highlights and unforgettable moments of the festival.

Friday's Frenzy: A Golden Start

Friday kicked off with a bang. SIM ignited the Apex Stage, followed by CKY's gritty riffs and Rise Against's anthemic energy. Jimmy Eat World and Weezer delivered nostalgic punches, setting a high bar for the weekend. Within Temptation's cinematic performance on the Opus Stage was a highlight, even if Green Day jokingly summoned a brief rain shower.

Martha's lens caught Myles Kennedy's intimate acoustic set on the Opus Stage, highlighting the connection between the music and the vibrant atmosphere. The Avalanche and Dogtooth tents offered diverse sounds, from Unpeople's anarchic energy to Apocalyptica's cello-smashing fervor.

Saturday Surprises: Secret Sets and Stage Domination

Saturday brought sunshine and a buzz about a secret Dogtooth set. PRESIDENT (rumored to be linked to Sleep Token) delivered a lightning-fast performance. Static Dress brought snarling punk-thrash to the Apex Stage, while Loathe twisted genres and Hatebreed stomped on any remaining energy dips.

The Sex Pistols, featuring Frank Carter, delivered a raw punk fury on the Opus Stage. Carter's energetic performance and respect for the band made it a standout moment. However, Sleep Token's headline performance on the Apex Stage divided opinions. While some fans were enthralled by their atmospheric rituals, others found the lack of crowd interaction disconnecting.

Sunday's Crescendo: Korn's Reign and Impossible Choices

Sunday was a scorcher, with Korn headlining for the first time and proving their continued relevance. The impossible choice between Sikth and Korn highlighted the day's brutal offerings. The Apex Stage featured Bleed From Within, Jinjer, Meshuggah, and SpiritBox, while the Opus Stage hosted Municipal Waste, Alien Ant Farm, Jerry Cantrell, and Lorna Shore.

The Dogtooth Tent featured President's late-night jams, shrouded in mystery (Martha's photos say it all!). The Opus Stage encore belonged to Steel Panther's campy hair-metal revival, complete with air guitar-wielding "dad-moshers."

Martha's Lens: Capturing the Essence

Martha Fitzpatrick's photos perfectly captured the energy and diversity of Download 2025. From the front-pit euphoria to the tent-back camaraderie, her images tell the story of a festival that celebrates every way of worshipping loud music.

Final Thoughts: Rain or Shine, Metal Prevails

Download 2025 was a rollercoaster of sounds, sights, and experiences. Whether you were moshing in the pit, chilling in a deckchair, or navigating the crowd in a wheelchair, you were part of the Download story. And who knows what surprises Download 2026 will bring? But one thing's for sure: the power of metal will always shine through!

See ya in 2026 – rain or shine! Rock on!